’Gabigol’ nets maiden strike as Inter beat Bologna

MILAN — Brazilian striker Gabriel ’Gabigol’ Barbosa handed Inter Milan all three points and kept his side within reach of the European places with his maiden Serie A strike in a 1-0 win at Bologna on Sunday.

The 20-year-old Brazil international joined Inter from Santos in August for just under 30 million euros (US$32 million) and the two extra points on Sunday were his first pay back instalments.

Inter are now level fourth with Atalanta on 48 and fifth placed Lazio on 47 after both of these rivals for Europa League qualification, won their respective matches on Saturday.

But in what was Bologna’s first home game since a 7-1 battering by Napoli two weeks ago, Roberto Donadoni’s men had no intention of suffering another rout.

Inter welcomed Ivan Perisic back from suspension but were still missing captain and striker Mauro Icardi, who was handed a two-game ban following a controversial defeat at Juventus a fortnight ago.